Goncho owners given six more weeks

By David Hotle | May 29, 2014

The owners of Goncho Apartments learned Wednesday that they have six more weeks to begin abating methamphetamine residue before the city seeks further action. During a hearing at the Washington County Courthouse, with Goncho owner Jared Miller and Washington City Attorney Kevin Olson, one more chance was given to clean up the building, and a time limit was presented. At 2 p.m. July 14, another court date has been scheduled for another hearing. At the hearing, the city can level fines for non-compliance. City building and zoning administrator Steve Donnolly said that papers had been served on the building after a hearing in March. During that hearing, the city’s building and zoning committee had upheld Donnolly’s ruling that Goncho Apartments was an unsafe building. “They said they are in the works of something,” Donnolly said. “I have heard they are trying to sell it. I have heard they are trying to — I don’t know what they are doing. As far as the city is concerned, we just want it cleaned up.” City administrator Brent Hinson said that at the end of six weeks, the city would proceed with meth abatement. He said that there are continuing steps after that. The building was ruled unsafe and the tenants were required to move out in January 2013 after the city declared the building unsafe. A meth lab had been discovered in one of the rooms. Donnolly also said that the building had been inspected and a list of safety items had been given to the owner.